Anuj Shanbhag
Atlanta
Summary
Dynamic professional with 8+ years in food and beverage product development and commercialization. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional programs and deliver innovative solutions. Known for strategic influence and empowering teams to achieve exceptional results.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Development Manager, Global Hydration and Advanced Hydration Category
The Coca Cola Company (TCCC)
Atlanta
01.2024 - Current
- Currently leading the development of the innovation pipeline for Powerade across the U.S. and international markets by driving cross-functional ideation sessions, identifying breakthrough technologies, and advancing product concepts that deliver superior taste and functional benefits to meet evolving consumer needs.
- Led the end-to-end innovation and renovation of multiple successful beverage launches, including Sodium-Free Dasani, Smartwater Alkaline with Antioxidant, and Topo Chico Sabores. Managed the full product development lifecycle using the Stage-Gate process—from ideation and formulation to commercialization—by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams across R&D, marketing, regulatory, and supply chain. Applied design thinking and strategic project management to bring health-forward, differentiated innovations to market that met consumer demand for functionality, taste, and clean-label beverages.
- Coached and mentored new team members comprising one junior developer, one intern, and R&D technicians.
Scientist IV, Product R&D, Global Hydration and Advanced Hydration Category
The Coca Cola Company (TCCC)
Atlanta
07.2021 - 12.2023
- Managed the innovation pipeline for four major global billion-dollar brands under Coca-Cola, overseeing more than 30 projects independently. Delivered incremental revenue by driving strategic project execution, cross-functional collaboration, and effective stakeholder communication.
- Actively led cross-functional ideation workshops involving Marketing, R&D, Regulatory, Finance, and Packaging teams to identify white space opportunities, create value for global brands, and shape long-term innovation and business strategy.
- Notable global launches include leading the U.S. Reformulation of Vitaminwater Zero (10 SKUs) using a breakthrough monk fruit-based sweetener system, and driving the development of Flashlyte and BodyArmor Lyte in Mexico and India, respectively—an electrolyte-rich hydration beverage designed to outperform traditional sports drinks.
R&D Scientist II, Dairy and Non Dairy Yogurt Category
Chobani Greek Yogurt
Twin Falls
06.2019 - 05.2021
- Independently led multiple product development initiatives within Chobani’s dairy category, delivering innovation across key platforms with a strong focus on health, functionality, and consumer appeal. Key achievements include the reformulation of the Chobani Flip platform (20 SKUs)—resulting in ~$3.5MM in annual cost savings—and the development and launch of the Chobani Probiotic platform (7 SKUs), featuring added probiotic strains to support digestive and immune health.
- Played a key role in expanding Chobani’s non-dairy portfolio, helping the brand enter and scale in the plant-based category. Served as a core contributor to the successful development and launch of Chobani Oat Milk, one of the fastest-growing plant-based milks in the U.S., supporting end-to-end execution including formulation, scale-up, and market readiness to ensure exceptional taste, texture, and nutrition.
Product Developer
Dahlicious LLC
Leominster
05.2018 - 05.2019
- Was recruited as the primary R&D and QA representative and point of contact for my company. My leadership was instrumental in the entire development of the Dahlicious non-dairy platform - Almond and Cashew Milk yogurts.
- Additionally, I worked extensively with leading Private Label brands such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Wegmans to develop plant-based yogurt products tailored to their brand standards.
Education
Master of Science - Food Science
The University of Massachusetts Amherst
USA01.2018
Bachelor of Technology - Food Engineering and Technology
Institute of Chemical Technology
India01.2015
Skills
- product development
- project management
- stage-gate process
- cross-functional collaboration
- effective communication
- team leadership
- mentoring and coaching
Websites
Affiliations
- Member, Technical Innovation & Supply Chain Culture Engagement Taskforce, TCCC R&D (2022– Current) - Drive people engagement and cross-functional connectivity across the organization by leading initiatives such as Professional Connects, Team building activities—fostering a culture of inclusion, professional networking, and personal development throughout the organization.
- Intern Onboarding Coach, TCCC R&D (2022 – 2023) - Mentored interns within my team and provided technical support to other interns across the R&D department, ensuring a strong foundation for project success. Additionally, organized and facilitated a final showcase event, enabling interns to present their work to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Committee Member, IFT Feeding Tomorrow (2017) - Played a key role in the planning, execution, and expansion of IFT Feeding Tomorrow’s Fun Run, one of the organization's annual fundraisers. This event is central to Feeding Tomorrow’s mission of supporting the next generation of food science professionals and ensuring a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for all.
- Board Member, UMASS Amherst South Asian Association (2016 – 2018) - Led and organized cultural events and festivals to celebrate and share South Asian heritage with the broader campus community.
Timeline
Product Development Manager, Global Hydration and Advanced Hydration Category
The Coca Cola Company (TCCC)
01.2024 - Current
Scientist IV, Product R&D, Global Hydration and Advanced Hydration Category
The Coca Cola Company (TCCC)
07.2021 - 12.2023
R&D Scientist II, Dairy and Non Dairy Yogurt Category
Chobani Greek Yogurt
06.2019 - 05.2021
Product Developer
Dahlicious LLC
05.2018 - 05.2019
Master of Science - Food Science
The University of Massachusetts Amherst
Bachelor of Technology - Food Engineering and Technology
Institute of Chemical Technology
Similar Profiles
Paul FitzgeraldPaul Fitzgerald
General Manager at The Better Drinks CompanyGeneral Manager at The Better Drinks Company
Larry EasonLarry Eason
Vending Technician at The Coca-Cola Company; World of Coca-ColaVending Technician at The Coca-Cola Company; World of Coca-Cola
KUZEY BENERKUZEY BENER
Data Analyst at The Coca Cola CompanyData Analyst at The Coca Cola Company
Iniobong InyangIniobong Inyang
Volunteer, Social Care Department at Giving HealthVolunteer, Social Care Department at Giving Health
Johnny JoelJohnny Joel
Manager at Python LogisticsManager at Python Logistics